Building Interactive Sound Systems: From Software to Hardware
With Vinícius Fernandes
This workshop introduces the fundamental concepts behind interactive digital musical instruments and embedded audio systems. Using Pure Data, a free and open-source visual programming environment, participants will learn how sound generation, physical controls, and real-time interaction can be combined to create expressive musical devices. Through hands-on experimentation, we will explore sound synthesis, sensor input, and interaction design while developing simple interactive sound systems. The workshop aims to provide participants with a practical introduction to the ideas and techniques used in the creation of digital musical instruments and other interactive audio technologies. The workshop is designed for artists, musicians, students, and curious beginners. No previous experience with programming, electronics, or music technology is required. Participants will gain practical experience with sound synthesis, real-time interaction, and physical controls, providing a foundation for further exploration of digital instrument design, physical computing, and embedded audio systems.
- Dates
- Wed 21 Oct, Wed 28 Oct, Wed 4 Nov, Wed 11 Nov, Wed 18 Nov
- Time
- 18:00–21:00
- Cost
- €60-120 (+ €5 membership fee for new members)
- Attendance type
- You should attend the full course
- Class type
- Music, Sound Design
- Space
- Basement
- Desired audience
- Artists, musicians, students, makers, educators, and curious people interested in sound, technology, creative coding, digital musical instruments, and interactive media. The workshop is particularly suited to participants who want an accessible introduction to interactive audio systems and physical computing. No prior experience is required.
- What should I bring?
- Participants should bring a laptop capable of running Pure Data. Installation instructions and any required software will be provided before the workshop. The hardware components used will be provided during the workshop.
About the artist
Vinícius Fernandes is a Brazilian artist, researcher, educator, and software developer working at the intersection of sound, technology, and critical media practices. He is a DAAD scholarship holder and cotutelle PhD researcher between the University of São Paulo (USP) and Technische Universität Berlin, researching embedded audio systems and technological autonomy in music technology. His work spans electronic instrument design, sound art, creative coding, and digital signal processing. He has taught workshops on music technology and synthesizer building, and contributed to open-source audio development, focusing on accessible and low-cost approaches to electronic music and creative technology.
Instagram: @menis______ (6 underscore)https://viniciusfersil123.github.io/vinicius-portfolio/
Accessibility
One solidarity spot is available for this course at no cost. Please write to 90milartschool@gmail.com to book. This course is in a room which is not wheelchair accessible. If you'd like to join but this is a barrier, please let us or the course coordinators know. Please see the yellow section below for more on accessibility.
Sliding scale
We use a sliding scale to make courses as affordable as possible. Here’s how to use it: Lower end: You don’t have a stable income. Mid range: You have a less stable financial situation and are more selective about where you spend your money. Higher end: You experience relative financial stability. Solidarity spot: You’re experiencing financial precarity and wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford to come to a workshop.